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Cambridge is the unofficial capital city of cycling in the UK - and with fantastic routes in and around the city like these ones, it isn't hard to see why.

Now that spring is finally on our doorstep, it's the perfect time of year to get your bike out of the shed and go for a nice ride across the city.

We’ve put together a list of some of the best bike rides around Cambridgeshire; we've combined shorter rides with routes that will make for a full day out as you travel across villages and countryside.

But there's one thing they all have in common - they all have a great pub on the way.

Cambridge to Waterbeach

Midsummer Common, Cambridge

(6.5 miles one way. Keep the river on your left out of Midsummer Common; over the bridge at Chesterton; follow the river towards Waterbeach)

The Ride: You could do a lot worse than kick off with a pedal along the Cam. Keep the river to your left cycling from Midsummer Common. It can get busy in the early evening, when rowers are out training with coaches cycling alongside, but it’s a beautiful short ride for a sunny day.

If you have time, the cycle path goes past Cow Hollow Wood, a millennium project that’s well worth a peek.

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The Pub: End your cycle at the Chef and Brewer, a relaxed riverside jaunt. ‘Brewer’s Chicken’ is legendary, and they do a mean roast.

Wimpole Way

Wimpole Hall. Picture: Warren Gunn

(11 miles one way. Follow the Barton Road cycleway past Coton and Hardwicke; turn left towards Kingston along Crane's Lane)

The Ride: Pedal back in history by following the Wimpole Way to the impressive Wimpole Estate 13 miles outside Cambridge. The path winds through some of Cambridgeshire’s oldest villages, though Anglo-Saxon Coton and past Kingston’s medieval farmhouses. If you’ve not had your fill yet, there’s more cycling to be done in the estate itself.

You’ll need a National Trust membership or will have to pay a fee to enter, but once in Wimpole Estate’s impressive grounds there are enough cycle paths to get everyone in the family exhausted. The carriage drive is perfect for beginners, or pick the Mare Way Challenge for a more ambitious woodland affair.

The Pub: Hearty and welcoming, the Hardwicke Arms was once a coaching inn before becoming part of the Wimpole Estate. There’s a big focus on local produce, and has one of the area’s best selections of real ale.

Cambridge to St Ives

White Horse pub, Swavesey

(12 miles one way. Follow busway from King's Hedges Road; pass north under A14; through Histon and Oakington)

The Ride: You might not meet seven men with seven wives – they’re at the other St Ives – but you will come across some pretty breathtaking countryside. Basically a straight line down the guided busway, it’s an easy enough route to navigate, despite its length.

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The Pub: Simple, traditional, family friendly and with a great beer garden, you could do worse than break up the ride in Swavesey at the White Horse Inn. If you fancy more al-fresco dining, lots of their food can be ordered as take-away, so pop it in your basket for a picnic further down the track.

Wicken Fen nature reserve

Konik ponies at Wicken Fen (Image: Terry Stubbings)

(18 miles one way. From Jesus Green, keep river on the left; cross Riverside Bridge; follow Route 11 along the river; back over to Lug Fen Droveway; follow route 11 signs to Ely)

The Ride: The National Cycle Network route 11 runs through peaceful Wicken Fen, and it’s a pretty blissful ride. Use it as an opportunity to do some nature spotting with the youngsters – hen harriers, water voles and herons are commonly spotted along the route.

The Pub: The Maid’s Head in Wicken is a traditional thatched 13th century pub, steeped in history and archaeological findings, but it’s their delicious desserts and impressive cheese boards that are more likely to be remembered on the cycle back.

Gog Magog

The Ride: There’s a pervasive myth that there are no real hills in Cambridge. Once you’ve headed over Wort’s Causeway towards Fulbourn, you may dispute this. The Gog Magog hills are in fact chalk downs, and there’s some fabulous panoramas to be seen from the top of them. Head back via Cherry Hinton for a change of scenery.

The Pub: Honorary mention has to go to Gog Magog Hills, an indescribably wonderful farm shop and deli with tasty café attached. But if it’s a pint you’re after, hang on for the Six Bells in Fulbourn, which serves a tantalising array of real ale, plus eleven different types of gin. Impressive.

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Cambridge to Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

Anglesey Abbey in Lode (Image: Keith Jones)

(Seven miles one way. Along Parker's Piece, down the back of the Grafton; right onto Newmarket Road; turn left to Ditton Walk; follow blue National Cycle Route 51 signs towards Bottisham)

The Ride: Neither actually an abbey or in Anglesey, it’s still a wonderful destination for a leisurely cycle in the sleepy village of Lode, north-east of Cambridge. You can either follow the road, which is a bit shorter, or stretch it out down the rather quieter National Cycle Route.

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The Pub: The Shed in Lode is one of Cambridgeshire’s newest pubs, and with a thoroughly British menu and great selection of lager, cast ale and beer, it’s likely to become a stalwart in the village.

Cambridge to Saffron Walden

The Black Bull, Balsham. Picture: Warren Gunn

(37 mile loop. Follow Newmarket Road south out of Cambridge; turn left onto Long Road then right on to the Shelford cycleway; follow cycle route 1 through Whittlesford, Duxford and Ickleton; left at Strethall towards Littlebury, then follow the river right towards Saffron Waldon; turn left towards B1052; left at Hadstock on Linton Road then left onto Balsham Road; through Fulbourn and Crouch End back to Cambridge)

The Ride: This loop from Cambridge into Essex is long, but lovely. You cycle through some big hitters, including Byron’s pools, Wandlebury Country Park with its Iron Age fort, and then past the Wetlands nature reserve.

The Pub: With a route this long, you may need nourishment more than once. The route goes through Audley End House and Gardens, which has wonderful tea rooms, and the Black Bull in Balsham is a swish but homely watering hole, with over 40 wines on offer and stylish, refined food to fortify you for the final leg back.